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ERIC Number: EJ804115
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1940-4476
EISSN: N/A
Research on Same-Gender Grouping in Eighth Grade Science Classrooms
Friend, Jennifer
RMLE Online: Research in Middle Level Education, v30 n4 p1-15 2006
This study examined two hypotheses related to same-gender grouping of eighth grade science classes in a public middle school setting. The hypotheses were (a) male and female students enrolled in same-gender science classes demonstrate more positive science academic achievement than their peers enrolled in mixed-gender classes, and (b) same-gender grouping of students has a positive effect on classroom climate. Participants were randomly assigned, and instruction did not vary for the same-gender and mixed-gender classes. The first experimental group was a class of all-male students (n = 20) taught by a male science teacher. The comparison group consisted of male students (n = 42) in coeducational classes taught by the same male teacher. The second experimental group was a class of all-female students (n = 23) taught by a female science teacher. This comparison group consisted of female students (n = 61) in coeducational classes taught by the same female teacher. Results of this study led to the conclusions that same-gender grouping did not produce significant differences in student science academic achievement and same-gender classes did not create a more positive classroom climate. For this middle school, policy recommendations include limiting same-gender grouping until further research indicates that this structure is effective in countering gender-stereotypes and improving achievement and attitudes toward science. (Contains 2 tables.)
National Middle School Association. 4151 Executive Parkway Suite 300, Westerville, OH 43081. Tel: 800-528-6672; Tel: 800-528-6672; Fax: 614-895-4750; e-mail: info@nmsa.org; Web site: http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/RMLEOnline/Articles/tabid/101/Default.aspx
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 8; Middle Schools
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A